Buon Natale!

Hi everyone
We had a great Christmas weekend filled with lots of food, laughs and good memories! On Christmas Eve we went to Rick's brother's house.  Thanks Frank and Lynn for a great time. It was so fun singing along with Jake and listening to Opa play his polka Christmas songs on the keyboard! It was the first time I had gotten dressed up in a few months and it felt really good! 
Christmas morning we were woken up by Jake and so we woke up the girls and down we went to check out all the presents under the tree.  We opened our stockings and then took a break to make coffee and bailey's for us and hot chocolate for the kids.  Then we open the very cool presents from SANTA!  After that, we aways take a break for our traditional Christmas breakfast of panettone, bacon, eggs.... We sing Happy Birthday to Baby Jesus and give thanks for all the positive and wonderful blessing in our life- and there is alot to be very thankful for! Then back to opening presents!  We love doing it like this because it is almost noon before we finish and then the kids spend the afternoon trying out all their new electronics and Rick and I get to relax on the couch with a nice cup of coffee.
 Had a great Christmas dinner with Rick's family on Christmas and Boxing Day and then yesterday we went to my brother Joe's house for an amazing ham dinner.  We get so excited when he invites us over to eat- he is such an amazing chef!!!  It was nice to see Wendy, Joe the kids and my brother Settimio,Jason, Andrea and Hailey.  Sorry that Frank and Anne couldn't be there, but I thought of you as I was drinking my mulled wine.  It was a wonderful way to spend the day!
 I am healing nicely now that the cold seems to be done with me. This week I have everyone home with me so we plan on taking it easy, hanging out and maybe going to see a movie or two. 
I hope that everyone had a great time with their families and friends.

My appointments are coming up next week.  I meet with Dr. Campbell on Tuesday to discuss the results of the Oncotype DX test and what that means for me.  I also meet with Dr. MacFayden on Thursday to discuss the results of the new pathology results from the last surgery- keeping our fingers crossed that they got it all out!   A little nervous but definitely going to enjoy this week first!   On Tuesday I registered for the "Look Good, Feel Better" program at the Cancer Center so I am looking forward to that- thanks Sue for pointing me in that direction!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from all of us to all of you!  I  wish you a wonderful and happy Christmas Day.  Enjoy the time spent with family and friends.
Thank you to all of you for your amazing support and friendship.  I will definitely be toasting all of you tonight at Rick's side of the family Christmas celebration and again tomorrow at Oma's and Opa's and then again on Monday for my side of the family.  Yep, lots of toasting and celebrating in store!
Sending lots of hugs and kisses your way
XXXOOOO

YAHOO!!!!!!

MY DRAIN IS GONE! MY DRAIN IS GONE!  Nurse Sally just left and I have to just tell everyone that I am absolutely thrilled.  She called around 8 pm and told me to take some pain meds because she would be here around 9.  I kind of wished I had hung onto those percosets because I was getting nervous, but I figure I gave birth to 3 kids- what could possibly hurt more than that?
So when she arrived Sarah and Jake went running to the basement- they were a little freaked out about the whole thing but relaxed when they realized it wasn't that big of a deal.  Jenna was at work and upset she missed it (she will make a great doctor!)
First she snipped the 3 or 4 stitches that were keeping the drain in place and then she said "hold your breath".  I was leaning against Rick and I guess I hung onto him too tight because he said "for the love of God let go of the chest hairs" - oops, I figured if I was going to be in pain, then he could too :)
I took a deep breath and well, I won't lie, it hurt, alot, but for a very short time, seconds really, and then it was over.
She told me my incision looks great and I am well on my way to recovery.  I met Nurse Sally on Monday night and  she was not scheduled to come see me today, it was supposed to be someone different but she went into the office today and told them she would take me today because she wanted me to have the same nurse. Very thoughtful.  She gave me a big hug and we thanked her and wished her a very Merry Christmas!
I feel great and can't wait to get out tomorrow and maybe even brave the malls!
Good night all!

Today I got dressed!

Yesterday I posted that I was waiting for my "click" so my friend Paula decided that she was going to make it happen and came over with a bag full of some of my favourite things- bath and body works and chocolate covered nuts- how can that not encourage a better mood??  Thanks Paula!

So I got dressed today and it felt great- only from pj's to yoga pants but I also put on some makeup!!!  Went to the doctor ( I have seen him more in the last 2 months than I had seen him all last year!) and  I have "serous otitis media"- probably spelled that wrong- so basically, I sneezed the other day and filled my inner ears with fluid and there it sits!  He gave me a "contigent" antibiotic only to be used if I develop a fever or pain.  So, I feel better after going.  He reassured me that my body is taking a longer time with this virus because of all the other stressors in my life right now but this will pass and I will feel better.
Unfortunately for Rick, his battle with this virus has just begun.  He came home sick as a dog at lunchtime today and went straight to bed- I havent seen  him since.  I hope he is able to kick this faster than me!

Looking forward to seeing the CCAC nurse tomorrow.  Keeping my fingers crossed that tomorrow is the day that this drain comes out.  Maybe I should have a few "shots" before she gets here so I can't feel the drain coming out????  Grappa maybe?

The best part is I just read my friend Sue's blog and her husband posted that her surgery went well and she is home resting.  I am so glad it is over for you Sue, all that is left is the healing!!! Aren't those warm blankets just amazing!!!  Looking forward to hearing from you and please ask if you have any questions about recovery- I kind of feel like an expert now :)

Waiting for the "click"

The last week has been a tough one and today by far was no better.  Woke up feeling really hopeful that the nurse would arrive and remove this drain that is so uncomfortable.  There was a bit of a mix up and she didn't actually arrive until 5:30 so I waited all day.  I think I was the most upset because I was looking forward to taking a shower but I couldn't do it until I knew she was on her way...so I waited.  The drain is still not ready to come out so she will be back on Wednesday.  This cold just keeps messing with my throat and my ears and it is really wearing me down, so today was not a good day- feeling sorry for myself and I know that is not positive or healthy that is the way I feel today. Rick says I am going stir crazy-  I have not stepped out of the  house in almost a week. I did go for a walk around the block the other day :)  OK- enough of the complaining.  When I emailed Annette this morning to tell her what's going on she told me that soon enough things will start to go my way again and it will "click".  So that's what I am doing, I am waiting for the "click"
Yesterday we had Sarah's family birthday celebration- her aunt Annette and her Uncle Kevin so generously offered to do it at their house and everyone pitched in to make the day very special for her. She was absolutely beaming when she came home! So very thoughtful and much appreciated. I didn't go but Sarah and the clan really enjoyed themselves!  Thanks all, Sarah loved it and had a great time- we are trying out the popcorn machine tonight!  Jake had his guitar recital yesterday, I am sorry I missed that as well but Rick videotaped all the events yesterday and I watched it, so I could feel like I was a part of it.
Thanks also to Annette, Kevin, Lynn and Frank and kids for the amazing gift bag that you gave me.  I love everything in it and it was such an incredibly thoughtful gift- I really do love it.  Lynn, the rosary is absolutely gorgeous- so pretty and very peaceful, calming- thank you- it means alot to me.
This morning Krista, my cleaning angel arrived to clean our house- she really is an amazing person, she happened to be walking in the front door as I was having a melt down about the nurse mishap... I was just feeling terrible and she gave me a big hug, some homemade cookies and a shiny house- thanks to my amazing friends for arranging that for me- so, so appreciated and I am so blessed.
My wonderful Aunt Maria who lives in Rome called me today- we had a good cry together- she told me she has been praying for me- that's great, right?  I figure if all my relatives in Italy are praying for me (and there are alot of them!) then this cancer doesn't stand a chance- can't be a holier place than the Vatican City during Christmas time!
 Thanks to all my friends who continue to send over homemade soup and other goodies- not having to cook has lifted such a huge weight off our shoulders. Sorry that I haven't been up for company but I will get over this slump.
 I love you :)
Is everyone ready for Christmas????




How to Comment

I have been asked how to comment on this blog and Rick and I just figured it out.  The easiest way is to create a google account by going to http://www.google.ca/
after that, you can click on the comment box in my blog and then click on google account, type in your info and the comment and it should work.
I know it sounds like alot of work, so if you would rather not that's okay too!

Recovery Part 2 and Oh, Christmas Tree!

So, yesterday the CCAC nurse came to visit because I have a drain sticking out my side.  I wasnt expecting her to take my bandages off to inspect the incision, so that came as an unprepared shock...  She comes back on Monday and I am hoping to have this drain removed, it really is uncomfortable. 
Rick and Jake stayed home with me to be my "caregivers".  Jake really is a great kid, he helped with getting me water and made me tea! Such a compassionate person.  Thanks for your help Jake and Rick too!  So lucky to have 2 great guys in my life.
So, remember how I said that I went to the doctor to get my cough checked- well apparently anaesthesia can trigger asthma and mine must have been triggered from the first surgery- after almost a decade of no puffers. The coughing is making the recovery a  little more painful.
Two weeks ago Rick and Jake picked out the most perfect Christmas tree, so symmetrical and it looked just beautiful in our front room.  But it is making me cough like crazy and so down to the basement it went :(
Okay, thats it for now. 
One more day till holiday time for the kids.... they are so excited.
Thanks to all for your wellwishes, prayers, emails and calls.  Sorry, I haven't felt up to taking any calls but feeling a little stronger everday.
Ciao!

Recovering at home

Hello again
I am feeling a bit better today and so I am going to post before the woozy hits again (very normal, I had it last time and I am pretty sure it is the anaesthesia taking its sweet time working itself out of my system).  YES, I AM AT HOME!  I know it's crazy but I was home within 8 hours.  Truthfully, it is better, I can lie in my own bed and it is much quieter here.
OK... we got to the hospital at 7:30am to register.  It was crazy busy, that place never slows down.  I knew it was going to be a tough day when the lady that registered me said "are you nervous, you are doing the right thing you know".  That got the waterworks going.  Then off to day surgery to get my beautiful gown on and get assessed by the nurse.  They were quite concerned about my cough but no fever, so onward.  The nurse was very funny and a bit perturbed, I guess she had just gotten yelled at by a doctor (apparently that happens alot) so she said some pretty hilarious things.
As they cattle herded me and 3 other women and our significant others we saw Fred and Connie.  Connie is an OR nurse and Fred, her husband, is one of Jenna's awesome hockey coaches.  It was Connie's day off but she came to make sure I was all set up and she took great care of me.  I also saw another friend Heidi who was scheduled for  my Operating Room.  So they both wrapped me up in warm blankets, talked to me for a bit and then brought me into the room.  Fred and Rick went off to get a coffee and begin the long wait. Connie, I can't express enough how much it meant to have you there with me,holding my hand, setting up and letting me know it is going to be okay.  Having both you and Heidi in there talking to me and  holding my hands  till I fell asleep was so comforting.  I know I got a little freaked out there right before I fell asleep but I knew I was going to be okay.  I felt so blessed and loved.  Hard to explain, but true.  I also knew that there were so many people thinking and praying for me that it was all going to turn out okay.  Thanks also to Oma and Opa who came to be with Rick for awhile as well as he waited to hear that I was out.
I guess the surgery itself took about an hour, so that's pretty fast, I am told.  Then I went to the recovery area, I like it there.  They wrap you up in these amazing warm blankets, from head to toe and the nurses are so caring and compassionate. The best part about the experience was the blankets- like a big warm hug! One of the women there said it's like being at the spa- not quite, but I get what she was trying to say:)
They gave me percosets because I reacted to the Tylenol 3s the last time... oh my, I hate them!  I have decided that I could never get hooked on painkillers... I felt terrible, I saw in triples, had extreme nausea and was so light headed.  They only lasted till about 4am and then I was done with them... decided that a little pain and Advil extra strength was the only way to go.
Came home around 3ish and went straight to bed.  I tried to eat something but that set my stomache going and got sick.  That wore off yesterday. 
When I got home, a package had arrived from my cousin Fio.  Our "paisana" Angela made me this incredible, beautiful prayer shawl and gorgeous hat.  I love it Ang, and grazie mille!  I put it on immediately and have been wearing it ever since.  This is the reason why, after 30 some years, we literally ran into each other at the Italian Villa in Epcot Center 2 summers ago.  Funny, how I thought at the time what were the chances that the person standing next to me, out of thousands of people at the park that day, was speaking Italian in that Sudburian- Italian that only we would recognize? And then to hook up on face book a not soon after that?  Meant to be.  Thank you, I really do love it!

Hello

Hi all
Just sending a quick note to say that I am at home and trying to rest.  Will try to add more tonight but right now am feeling a little groggy and light headed and am going to lie down.  That was quite the day yesterday!

Updates!

So I just got back from my first official visit with my medical oncologist.  Her name is Dr. Carolyn Campbell and we are fortunate to know her from when Jenna played hockey in Waterloo.  She is an amazing person and I am so glad that she is my doctor.  She had lots of good things to say, most importantly being that I am going to be okay!!!!  The next hurdle of course is surgery tomorrow and recovery time from that.  I have to admit, I am feeling pretty anxious about it but am glad it is happening and I can put it behind me.
She told us today that because of some great factors in my results, I am the perfect candidate for this test called "Oncotype DX".  Basically, what this test does is determines whether I would benefit from chemotherapy.  It can even  help us better understand the likelihood of whether or not the cancer will return.  HOW GREAT IS THAT???  This test will take 2-3 weeks for results and then we meet with her again to determine next steps.  At the same time we also meet with the radiation oncologist to discuss that treatment as well.

I just have to say how impressed I am with everyone at the Cancer Center.  They make such an effort to make sure I am okay.  It is also quite the beautiful looking place as well.
Well,I am off to my family doctor now.  This cough won't go away so I am thinking my asthma has kicked in (nice timing, eh?) so I am going to get checked out and come away with some puffers... something tells me coughing after surgery might hurt a bit!
Bundle up, it is freezing out there.

This and That

Yesterday, my dear friend Cheryl dropped by after work.  She came loaded down with a cooler full of yummy meals and treats from friends at work.  My surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday and knowing that I dont have to worry about meals for awhile is just awesome!  It was nice sharing a cup of tea with you Cheryl and getting caught up on your life... I love listening to all your adventures :)
I also received the most beautiful vase of gorgeous deep red orchids... I was absolutely awestruck.  Thank you so much Joanne P. for thinking of me, they look stunning on my kitchen table.  My big brother Franco was working in Guelph this past week so he made a special trip to come see me on Friday.  It was nice to chill out with him and talk. He and Anne gave me a "wishing pot".  It's the coolest thing, you put your wish in it and then you kind of forget about it until your wish comes true.  I believe!!!  Thanks for the visit Frank.
Today, I am taking it easy trying to get a little bit of laundry and cleaning done before Tuesday.  I am fighting a cold and sore throat which worries me a little, I need all the strength I have to recover more quickly, so I really am hoping this goes away by Tuesday (drinking lots of hot tea and honey)
Tonight is my works Christmas party... I decided to not attend because I need to get rid of this cold... but I know that they will have lots of fun... with you in spirit guys and have many drinks for me :)

My First Blog Entry

Hi everyone and welcome to my blog!  I am so excited to be doing this.  I have given this some thought but then last week when I went to Nu Me Boutique to check out prosthetics and  I met this wonderful woman by the name of Sue.  Sue and her friend were so amazing and invited me right into their circle and together we delved into the world of post op prosthetics and general info that we needed to know.  We also had some good laughs!  She shared her blog with me and that was when I decided to do it. So here goes!!!
I plan on sharing my journey through cancer treatment and into recovery- because I will recover and I will be a survivor.   Hoping that maybe someone elses journey can be a little easier after reading my experiences because what I am learning is that I am not in this alone... many women, young and old are going through the  same experience and everyone has a story to tell :)